Ribbon type spacer/seal system

ABSTRACT

A window spacer system for multi-paned window and door lights uses a paper or carboard substrate, generally built up in laminated ribbon structure as a low cost hermetic seal possessing unusual thermal insulating and thermal expansion characteristics. The ribbon may be impregnated or laminated with superior sealants, including polyvinyl alcohol and SARAN (TM) and can be scored or marked for folding into hollow seal sections, from which a peripheral seal frame can be readily manufactured. Metallic foil, in a range of thickness can be incorporated, to enhance the sealing characteristics, and in certain instances to provide a dead-fold characteristic to the seal ribbon.

This is a Continuation-in-Part of application Ser. No. 07/609,336 filedNov. 5, 1990; itself a Continuation-in-Part of application Ser. No.07/366,069 filed Jun 14, 1989, now abandoned.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention is directed to insulated spacer systems for use infabricating multi-paned lights.

BACKGROUND ART

The manufacture of multi-paned window lights for use in the glazing ofwindows and doors requires that a controlled insulative distance be keptbetween the adjacent glazing panel panes. Ideally, this gap distanceshould be defined by a peripheral frame, which is hermetically sealed tothe spaced apart panes thus creating a confined "dead air" space, whichmay optionally be filled with an improved insulative gas.

Such spacer frames have usually been roll-formed, using tubular typealuminum profile sectioned frame materials, the hollow interior of whichfrequently serves to contain moisture vapor desiccants, for the removalof any moisture that may be present within the sealed construction.While such metal spacers form an effective moisture vapor barrier, theyalso possess high thermal conductivity characteristics, with aconductivity coefficient "k" value in excess of 117 which can create athermal bridge between the panes being separated unless thermallyisolated or "broken". Such thermal bridges can lead to the accumulationof moisture, as condensation and frost on surfaces of the glazing paneladjacent the seals, at the panel periphery. Such accumulations areundesirable aesthetically as well as being potentially destructive toadjoining structures, due to staining and moisture damage.

While the provision of an intermediate thermal break can enhance theinsulative performance of such metallic seal, such constructions areexpensive, costing as much per lineal foot as ninety cents (Canadian).

Thermally insulative spacers have been made from thermosetting andthermoplastic materials by the pulltrusion or by extrusion process,which spacers have overcome the thermal insulative problem, but havefailed to durably respond to the sealing requirements of low gaspermeability and resistance to sunlight degradation due to the action ofultra-violet light energy, and their use has led to internal "fogging"of the glazing panel due to outgassing of hydrocarbon vapours from theplastics used, which vapours can condense on the internal faces of theinner and/or outer panes. The developing use of special glazing glasseshas tended to exacerbate ultra-violet degradation by tending to reflectand build up the ultra-violet level.

The use of oriented sheet plastics material in forming a seal section,in order to achieve high impermeability against gas or moisturepenetration, encounters problems when thermal conditions are such thatthe material annealing temperature is reached. At such temperaturesmechanical stresses as high as, and often over 14000 pounds per squareinch may be released as the spacer material returns to its pre-orientedcondition.

Other known spacers include those having a stabilizing aluminum core anda body of mastic type compound. The core is susceptible to thermalbridging.

Sponge like cellular silicones present problems of permeability,structural integrity and require mechanical support.

It will be further understood that, in addition to thermal insulationand gas encapsulation and retention performance, which are particularlyimportant, the requirement also exists for practical, low cost,effective spacers that require a minimum of waste during fabrication,lend themselves to ready formation and installation, and which providefor the incorporation of absorbents for moisture vapor and otherhydrocarbon gases, to extend the service life span of a sealed,insulative glazing panel.

Various aspects of the prior art are to be found in the following UnitedStates patents which are directed to multi-paned window systems andcomponents thereof.

    ______________________________________                                          49,167     August 1865    Stetson                                           3,314,204    April 1967     Zopnek                                            3,280,523    October 1966   Stroud et al.                                     4,015,394    April 1977     Kessler                                           4,109,431    August 1978    Mazzoni et al.                                    4,658,553    April 1987     Shingawa                                          4,719,728    January 1988   Erikson et al.                                    4,649,685    March 1987     Wolf et al.                                       4,567,841    March 1986     Lingemann                                         4,564,540    January 1986   Davies et al.                                     4.226,063    October 1980   Chenel                                            4,222,213    September 1980 Kessler                                           4,113,905    September 1978 Kessler                                           4,198,254    April 1980     Laroche et al.                                    3,965,638    June 1976      Newman                                            3,935,683    February 1976  Derner et al.                                     ______________________________________                                    

In various solutions, ranging from Stetson to Derner et al., variousaspects of spacer provisions, and of their respective limitations may befairly readily identified by those skilled in the art.

In addition to avoiding undesireable complexity, the costing aspects ofeach spacer system must be born in mind as well as the need to achieve areliable sealing life expectancy for the spacer. An established, longterm life of several years duration is required to prove sealeffectiveness. Anything less is commercially unacceptable.

A further, highly significant aspect of any spacer system is itssuitability for assembling into window units. Factors such as ease ofhandling; handling robustness; longitudinal and lateral stiffness; easeof cutting to length and facility for forming joints, particularlycorner joints; seal component compatability for receiving adhesives onselected surfaces, are all relevant factors in determining thesuitability of a seal/spacer system.

Thus, for example, in the case of pultruded, glass reinforced plasticsections, these are generally of considerable thickness, whichcomplicates corner formation, upon making-up a seal "frame". They arealso a comparatively high cost item.

Thus, to sum up the various aspects of a seal system, it should be bornin mind that an ideal spacer system should be of low cost; shouldpossess extremely high resistance to gas percolation therethrough; besuitably constituted to traverse the corners of the panes; possess highresistance to degradation; be laterally flexible, readily applied, andeffectively adhered and edge- sealed; structurally stable; of sufficientmechanical strength for installation; and possessing a low edge-to-edgethermal conductivity factor.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

The present invention provides a novel spacer/seal system for use insealing multi-layer glazing panels. The subject system is based upon alow cost fibrous substrate to provide a peripheral diaphragm enclosingthe interior periphery of a pair of glazing panels.

The fibrous substrate possesses, effectively, a zero thermal expansioncoefficient; is an extremely poor thermal conductor; and due to itsporosity and controllable surface finish can be impregnated withselected sealing substances, or may be coated or laminated therewith.The dimensionally stable substrate is substantially stress free overtemperatures in the range of -60° C. to 300° C., or to its auto-ignitiontemperature.

The fibrous substrate, in the form of paper or cardboard can belaminated to desired thicknesses to provide satisfactory strength as aspacer in holding the opposed glazing panes in spaced apart relation.

In one embodiment the fibrous peripheral diaphragm may be combined witha sealant, by way of coating, lamination or impregnation, so as toprovide, in use, a peripheral hermetic seal adequate to withstand thepassage of air, water vapour, noble gases or evolved vapour for anextended period of years.

In a further embodiment, the peripheral substrate, in a substantiallyporous condition may be secured in place as a spacer, the requiredsealing characteristics for the double glazing panel system beingachieved by an encompassing and separate hermetic seal, arranged inenclosing relation with the porous spacer.

Such polymeric materials may be selected from within the families ofpolyvinylidene (SARAN) chloride, polyvinyl alcohols, polyesters, acetalsand/or their copolymers.

In a yet further embodiment the substrate may be thin, and made suitablygas and water vapor impermeable, i.e. "sealed", by coating, laminationor impregnation, the glazing system being completed by an outerperipheral seal about the glazing unit periphery to provide requisitemechanical strength to maintain the structural integrity of the glazingassembly.

Suitable sealants for coating, impregnating or laminating the fibroussubstrate include SARAN (TM) or polyvinyl alcohol, acetal polymers orcopolymers of such materials.

In preparing laminated spacer/seals the substrate, generally in ribbonform may be printed, creased and/or bent to form a seal section ofchannel or hollow form, such as a tube or tubes.

In the case of aluminum foil, this can be laminated within layers of thesubstrate or applied externally thereof. A metal foil sealing elementmay comprise a continuous layer of metal, generally aluminum, vapourdeposited upon a paper or other base. Use of a seal having an externallamina of aluminum generally requires positioning of the metallic layerso as not to form a thermal bridge with the glazing panel portionslocated adjacent thereto. However, in some instances the capability todeposit an ultra-thin foil layer may effectively reduce the thermalbridging effect to acceptable levels so as to permit direct glasscontact without troublesome thermal bridging occurring.

An aluminum laminating layer may be adopted possessing sufficientthickness and associated stiffness to impart a deadfold characteristicto the laminated structure, to facilitate roll-bending or press-bendingof a laminated ribbon construction, to form a channel or a closedsection. Use of such a relatively thick aluminum layer requires that itbe thermally isolated from the glass surfaces of the glazing unit. Thisis generally achieved by interposing between the glass and the aluminumlayer an adequate layer of cardboard or paper or other thermalinsulating medium of sufficient thickness to effectively precludethermal bridging.

The hollow fibre structural nature of these paper and cardboardmaterials assure excellent insulative properties along with a modulus ofstiffness and edgewise compressive strength particularly when laminatedto a suitable thickness. Such characterisitics render these materialsmechanically suitable for use as materials from which structually soundinsulative spacers may be fabricated. A unique property of thesematerials lie in their ready absorptive reception of liquid resinousmaterials which can be used to provide moisture and/or gas proofingproperties. Furthermore, the materials will accept surface finishes,including glaze, to facilitate subsequent coating and laminateapplications.

A single web of cardboard of sufficient thickness prepared in theaforementioned manner may be overlaid with a thin metal foil, decorativepaper or plastic film, or may be overprinted via silk screening, offsetor gravure printing methods, This cardboard web may now be scored orcreased, than folded to form a hollow rectangular or other tubulargeometric shape. A spacer configured in this manner can be fabricatedinto a frame enclosure by adhesive bonding or by mechanical fastening ofthe joint and corners. Spacers made in this matter are low cost, haveexcellent insulative value, are thermally stable and do not poseproblems of outgassing, yet provide an impermeable barrier to thepassage of moisture vapor and noble gasses therethrough.

Thinner cardboard or paper, treated in the aforementioned manner may beadhesively laminated together to form a laminated web of the requiredstructural strength, then scored or creased and folded to a form orsectional shape in the same manner as a single web. There are advantagesto this multi-layer laminated web which enhance the barrier qualities ofthe spacer and permit the use of an inner laminate layer of untreatedpaper or light cardboard, preprinted and/or decoratively embossed.

In yet another version of the subject structural cardboard/paper spacer,a web of cast or extruded polyvinyl alcohol barrier film may beadhesively laminated thereto to form an interior laminate web portion,with the cardboard either treated or untreated forming the exteriorstructural faces. Similarly, a SARAN (TM) web may be substituted andincorporated in a like manner.

A yet further approach contemplates a paper or thin cardboard seal, incombination with an adjoining edge spacer. The composite cardboard orpaper seal in association with appropriate sealing and U.V. resistantlaminates impregnated or laminated thereto provides a flexible, hermeticseal. An adjacent surrounding seal provides complementary mechanicalstrength to secure the adjacent glazing panes in spaced relation. Suchan arrangement requires the provision of special assembly fixtureswherein the flexibility and low stiffness coefficient of the seal aretemporarily augmented by the fixture, until the surrounding seal isapplied, to provide the required mechanical strength.

While the aforementioned and following descriptions form a generaloutline of the method of producing a structural paper or cardboardbodied spacer, while describing the principles of spacers and the scopeof the possible variations and options, these spacers are not confinedby nor limited to the specifics so outlined.

The present invention provides a multi-layer glazing panel separationsystem incorporating, or to which may be applied a seal means to providea hermetic seal between opposed, substantially parallel gas impermeableglazing panels, the seal comprising: an elongated ribbon-like section oflow cost insulative fibrous substrate material such paper and/orcardboard of predetermined transverse width and lateral edge-to-edgeload bearing capacity and low thermal conductivity; a barrier layer ofsubstantially gas impermeable and ultraviolet degradation resistantmaterial on at least one transverse portion of the section tosubstantially preclude on a long-term basis the percolation of benigngases and air therethrough; and edge means for securing the seal in edgesealed relation to adjoining portions of a respective window pane.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a composite tubularinsulative spacer for the precision separation of glazing panels insubstantially mutually parallel relation, comprising a fibrous substratehaving a coefficient of thermal expansion compatible in use with theglazing panels, the substrate being faced with an overcladding layer ofgas impermeable organic barrier such as polyvinyl alcohol orpolyvinylidene chloride, and material preferably selected from the groupcomprising polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylidene chloride, thermoplasticpolyesters, acetals and ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymers andcombinations thereof applied to selected surfaces of the substrate.

The subject spacer may be economically provided as a ribbon ofpredetermined width, foldable laterally into a plurality oflongitudinally extending narrow panels, to form a fabricated spacersection; the spacer section when formed having at least one of thepanels lying in a plane normal to the plane of the fabricated spacerframe, at least one face of the panel comprising edge to edge sealdiaphragm means in gas and vapour hermetic sealing relation, the ribbonpanels being of predetermined stiffness, laterally, whereby in use thespacer section possesses predetermined values of lateral stiffness andlow edge-to-edge thermal conductivity. In a number of embodiments of theinvention a plurality of longitudinal fold lines may be provided, tofacilitate lateral folding of the ribbon to form the spacer section, thefold lines extending substantially parallel, longitudinally of theribbon. The fold lines generally comprise indentations wherein thethickness of the ribbon section is locally diminished.

A range of low cost fibrous substrate materials possessing the requisitestrength and formability characteristics may be used, including paper,cardboard and Keyes (T.M.) fiber board.

Owing to its porosity, paper and cardboard are readily impregnated withcoating materials of superior sealing capability. Paper is available ina range of thickness and in rolls of such length as to be consideredsubstantially continuous. Cardboards, in thickness ranging from fourpoint to as much as sixty point and higher, are also available in rollsup to 1000 feet continuous length.

In order to achieve desired mechanical strength it will be understoodthat paper and cardboard are readily laminated to described thicknesses.In some instances the sealing material, such as SARAN (TM) may also formthe laminating adhesive, in building up a composite spacer.

An extruded or cast barrier film such as polyvinyl alcohol may also beadhered to coat or to laminate a paper or cardboard web, in forming aspacer/seal.

Cardboard is readily available in mill roll form, up to 1000 feetcontinuous length. A reflective and sealing diaphragm may includealuminum foil of 0.001 inches or less, possibly laminated with or vapourdeposited on a paper or a SARAN (TM) thermoplastic base. Other sealantfoil materials may comprise tin foil, lead foil, and even gold foil. Athicker metallic foil may be used to convey both sealing and dead-foldcharacteristics.

A reflective diaphragm may be applied to the portion of the substrateforming the spacer surface enclosing the inner periphery of the glazingpanel, generally being slightly undersized to avoid formation of athermal bridge between the two glazing panels. It will be understoodthat the sealing diaphragm is generally not a requirement for the fulllateral extent of the ribbon.

An insulative spacer, fabricated from an organic material may have athin metallic foil or coating applied to the inner surface of anenclosure into which the spacer is formed. Extremely thin gaugecoatings, in the order of 0.0125 through 0.0375 m.m. can form a gasimpermeable membrane, isolated from contacting the glass pane.

The provision of a spacer material in ribbon form permits coiling of theribbon, in an unfolded planar configuration, into rolls of extendedlength, elsewhere referred to as being "endless", from which portionsmay be readily and precisely cut to desired length to form an insulativespacer, frame-shaped seal of desired, predetermined peripheral lengthfor a selected size of installation. The planar nature of the coiledribbon-like spacer permits cutting of suitable notches into side panelportions of the ribbon, generally as defined by the appropriate foldlines, and the precise application of lateral bend creases, enabling theprecise location of the respective corners of the peripheral frame seal.

Formation of the thus prepared ribbon into a closed or semi-closed boxsection then provides a peripheral seal comprising a container sectionwithin which an appropriate quantity of desiccant material may beinserted. The form of the ribbon formulation, facilitates formation ofthe ribbon into a precisely structured, strong section, readily capableof withstanding the lateral loads to which the window panes are subject,during assembly. The final sealing and load bearing capability of thespacer is usually supplemented by the provision of a peripheralsecondary seal of polysulphide plastic which serves also to protectivelyisolate the subject spacer and sealant seal construction.

The material thickness and/or width of a metallic seal diaphragm may beapplied such as not to constitute a thermal bridge. Ultravioletprotection may be provided by applying a surface coating pigmented witha combination of carbon black and other metallic oxides such as iron.

Superior sealing against gas leakage may be achieved, using a polyvinylalcohol layer, applied as a coating or film, and protected againstmoisture degredation by a SARAN (TM) polyvinylidene Chloride layer. TheSaran also can serve as a sealing and protective covering and also as abonding agent where section faces are to be adhered to each other.

The generally closed nature of the formed section also has aself-protective function for the inner surfaces thereof, againstultra-violet degradation, in addition to the provision of otherfunction-specific protective coatings. The box section formationfacilitates the provision of corner reinforcement, comprising insertableplastic corner pieces, or L-shaped section-side reinforcements, in theframe-like seal.

The present invention further provides a method of fabricating amulti-layer window light having a plurality of panes in peripheral,hermetically sealed relation, comprising the steps of: providing anendless ribbon of predetermined width and lateral stiffness, and havingat least one selected area thereof substantially gaseously non-permeableand possessing a predetermined limiting low value of edge-to-edgethermal conductivity thereacross; severing a predetermined length of theribbon; folding the ribbon along longitudinally extending fold lines toform an elongated spacer section; jointing the ribbon lengthintermediate the ends thereof to form a frame-like enclosure; joiningand sealing the ends of the ribbon length, to complete the enclosure;installing the enclosure in planar oriented relation as a spacer betweena pair of window panes, to enclose a space between the panes, within theenclosure; and sealing the enclosure in hermetic, sealing relation withthe panes, to preclude the undesired transfer of gas and vapour relativeto the enclosed space. The method may further include the insertion ofdesiccant material within selected portions of the respective hollowsections forming the sides of the seal enclosure, including perforatingthe ribbon in predetermined areas, to provide breathing access betweenthe desiccant material and the hermetically sealed space between thewindow panes, for the absorption of any moisture or hydrocarbon vapoursthat are present or that may evolve over time.

Such breathing access perforations may be drilled into an appropriatesurface of the formed section, or punched out of an appropriate ribbonpanel, or provided by the cutting of appropriate panel corner reliefs.

It will be understood that the presently disclosed seal may be made upinto formed sections of pre-cut length, such as 7 meters. The preformedlength can then be readily made up into spacer frames of a desiredshape. Such spacer frames may utilize various types of corner joint ininserted relation within the section, to provide an effective windowseal.

Further seal embodiments include pairs of U-sections assembled in mutualadhering relation to form closed box sections. The use of a Sarancoating at the section interfaces makes possible the heat sealing ofadjoining seal faces, without requiring adhesive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Certain embodiments of the invention are described, by way of example,without limitation of the invention thereto, reference being made to theaccompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-section of a spacer leg made in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective schematic view of the laminated construction ofa web for the FIG. 1 spacer embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a composite partial view in perspective showing an individuallamina and a laminated web;

FIG. 4 is a scrap cross-section view of a portion of a 2-pane windowlight incorporating a simple laminated spacer/seal;

FIG. 5 is an end section of a 2-pane window light incorporating amulti-ply spacer/seal incorporating a foil lamina sandwiched therein;

FIG. 6 is a perspective schematic view of an unformed laminated spacerwith a heavy foil layer;

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 4, showing a spacer substantially inaccordance with FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a portion of a laminated spacerconstruction incorporating fold scores;

FIG. 9A is a plan view of a scored length of laminated ribbon accordingto the invention showing lateral cut-and-fold lines to form corners;

FIG. 9B is a perspective view of an end of the FIG. 9A ribbon;

FIG. 9C is a perspective end view of the FIG. 9B ribbon in folded spacerform;

FIG. 9D is a perspective view in partially unfolded relation showingcorner construction of a rectangular spacer; and,

FIG. 9E is a perspective view of a corner reinforcement angle for theFIG. 9D construction.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an end portion of a 2-pane window lightincorporating a laminated seal embodiment in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIGS. 11 and 12 are perspective views of two 2-piece folded laminatedseal embodiments in accordance with the invention; and

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a glazing unit incorporating aspacer/seal in accordance with the invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings, the spacer 10 shown in FIG. 1 is formed froma cardboard web 12 having a coating 14 of vinyl alcohol serving as a gasimpermeable barrier on one face thereof, and an outer surface coating 16of SARAN (TM).

A foil layer 18 on the inside of the section may be metallized paper orpaper supported by foil, adhesively secured to the section. Desiccantelements 20 may be of zeolite or other suitable material, containedwithin the hollow section of the spacer 10.

In FIG. 2 the composition of the web of spacer 10 is more particularlydetailed, with the web 12 of cardboard having barrier coating 14, outercoating 16 and foil layer 18. Ventilation perforations 20 give access tothe interior of section 10 from the side of the section facing theinterior of the sealed cavity of the glazing panel.

Fold lines 22 may be imprinted or scored on the respective components ofthe spacer 10.

Referring to FIG. 3, a planar spacer ribbon 30 may be built up of aseries of laminations 32, each lamination 32 being of paper or cardboardand having a coated or impregnated surface as taught above, to providethe desired sealing and/or protective characteristics.

This results in a strong, stiff hermetic seal structure. In accordancewith design requirements, the spacer 30 may be creased, folded andfabricated.

As shown in FIG. 4, a sealed glazing structure 34 has a pair of adjacentglazing panes 36 held in sealed, spaced relation by a plain spacer 30.

Adjoining mastic layers 38 may contain desiccant, and an outer seallayer 40 may comprise a reactable resinous seal material such aspolysulphide which adheres to the glass panes 36 and forms a durableperipheral enclosure as both water barrier and bonding agent to securethe panes 36 in permanent laterally aligned relation.

Referring to FIG. 5, a folded seal/spacer 44 is formed from a laminatedribbon 46 incorporating a metal foil 48 located in a thermally isolatedintermediate position between outer plies 50 and inner plies 52, as oneof the plies or laminates of the ribbon 46.

Referring to FIG. 6 a spacer laminated construction 56 has a pluralityof paper or cardboard plies 58 to provide the requisite sealcharacteristics, together with a metallic foil 60 of sufficient gauge(thickness) to impart deadfold characteristics to the construction. Itwill be understood that the substantial metallic foil 60 may form anintermediate ply, and will certainly not be located in a position toform a glass-to-glass thermal bridge. Thus the construction 56 may beroll formed or press folded to a desired shape of section, forfabrication into a spacer frame assembly.

Referring to FIG. 7, the assembly 64 comprises a pair of glazing panes36 having a spacer/seal assembly 66 therebetween. The seal assembly 66comprises a 5-panel ribbon having the side panels and underlying panelsthereof hermetically sealed, as described above, the two upper panelsbeing in mutual adherent relation, to provide the requisite structuralstrength. Ventilation apertures 67 connect the sealed interior with theseal space, containing desiccant particles 20. Primary seals 68 (such aspolyisobutylene) adhere and seal the side panels of seal assembly 66 tothe inner surfaces of the glazing panes 36. A secondary seal 70,generally of polysulfide, lends additional mechanical strength,mechanical protection and sealing back-up to the primary seal assembly66.

Turning to FIG. 8, a portion of ribbon 72, is illustrated as being of asingle thickness. The substrate 74 may have appropriate seals, asdescribed above impregnated into it, or laminated thereto. Indented foldlines 76 delineate the respective panels, and facilitate folding of theribbon 72 into its box section.

FIG. 9A, viewed in association with FIGS. 9B through 9E, shows theprogression from a ribbon 72 of 7-panels to a portion of a folded,peripheral seal, including corner joints, and the associated angledreinforcements therefor. The ribbon 72, has indented lengthwise foldlines 76 which may be scored with an included angle of 90°, to stabilizethe joints so formed when the ribbon 72 is laterally folded. The sixfold lines 76 define longitudinal panels 77, 79, 81, 83, 85, 87 and 89.

Folding of these longitudinal panels as shown, forms the double-section90 of FIG. 9C. Prior to folding the ribbon 72, the cross-hatchedstrike-out areas 73, 75 may be removed by cut-out or punching in orderto create corners 92,94 (FIG. 9A). In the illustrated embodiment, FIG.9D, it will be appreciated that the distance between corners 92,94 (andfold lines 95,97 in FIG. 9A) has been greatly foreshortened, forpurposes of illustration, while the size of the ribbon and foldedsection has been exagerated.

In FIG. 9D right-angled reinforcement pieces 98, also shown in FIG. 9Eare included in the fabricated circles 92,94. The pieces 98 may be gluedinto place, and may be of plastic or cardboard.

It will be understood that solid angle pieces of cast plastic, or othersuitable internal corner reinforcements may be used.

FIG. 10 shows a portion of a glazing assembly 100 having a sealarrangement akin to that of FIG. 1, with glazing panes 36, a sealassembly 102 containing desiccant particles 20, and a secondary seal 70.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show two-piece seal embodiments 104 and 106respectively. The FIG. 11 embodiment 104 has an upper, outer seal half108 of inverted U-form and a lower, inner seal half 110, glued or bondedthereto.

In the FIG. 12 embodiment an upper inverted U-section seal half 112 anda lower seal half 114 of substantially similar dimensions and reversedform are secured in mutually sealed, enclosing and overlapped relation.Referring to FIG. 13 a window arrangement 116 according to the presentinvention comprises a pair of glazing panes 36 having a spacer/sealframe 118 enclosing a sealed-off hollow zone between the panes 36. Anouter peripheral secondary seal 70 of polysulfide, shown in dottedprofile, completes the window light assembly.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

Glazing units incorporating the presently disclosed sealing systempossess high efficiency and are suited for a wide range of domestic andcommercial use for both doors, window and skylights.

What is claimed:
 1. In combination, a sealed multilayer glazing panelhaving at least a pair of glazing panes and an elongated insulatingribbon seal having a fibrous web portion, located in space enclosingsealing relation between said pair of glazing panes, said panes beingheld in mutually parallel, spaced apart relation, said seal beinglocated adjacent the edges of said panes and having said seal ribbonfibrous web portion extending in secured spacing relation between saidglazing panes; said ribbon having a coherent, substantially permeablesurface with a hermetic sealing layer of substantially totally gasimpermeable material covering at least the span between said panes inhermetic sealing, substantially thermally non-conductive space-enclosingrelation therebetween.
 2. The combination as set forth in claim 1, saidribbon seal comprising a plurality of laminations.
 3. The combination asset forth in claim 1, said ribbon having lateral compressive stiffnesssufficient to maintain said glazing panes in stable, spaced apartrelation.
 4. The combination as set forth in claim 1, said hermeticsealing layer being laminated to said fibrous web.
 5. The combination asset forth in claim 1, said fibrous web being at least partiallypermeated by said sealing layer.
 6. The combination as set forth inclaim 1, having a plurality of layers in mutually laminated adherentrelation.
 7. The combination as set forth in claim 6, said plurality oflayers including a layer of foil extending at least partially laterallyof said ribbon to form a lamination of said ribbon extending along alongitudinally extending panel portion of said ribbon.
 8. Thecombination as set forth in claim 7, said foil layer being located inlaminated relation with adjoining layers of said ribbon.
 9. Thecombination as set forth in claim 1, said combination including asecondary-seal located outwardly of said ribbon seal in lateral spacingrelation with said panes.
 10. The combination as set forth in claim 1,said ribbon having a thickness sufficient in use to hold said panes insubstantially constant, spaced apart relation.
 11. The combination asset forth in claim 10, said seal including a gas permeable enclosure forthe location of a dessicant material within the enclosure.
 12. Thecombination as set forth in claim 11, said sealing means permeableenclosure including a desiccant filler therein.
 13. The combination asset forth in claim 1, said seal having a plurality of longitudinal foldlines on one face thereof.
 14. The combination as set forth in claim 13,said longitudinal lines defining therebetween a plurality oflongitudinally extending panels, foldable in use into a non-planarsection seal.
 15. The combination as set forth in claim 14, said sectionseal comprising a substantially closed section.
 16. The combination asset forth in claim 13, said foldable panels forming a substantiallyclosed section comprising a plurality of compartments in mutuallaterally adjoining relation between said panes.
 17. The combination asset forth in claim 7, said foil layer extending across substantially thewidth of said ribbon, said foil being of sufficient thickness and ofsubstantially non-resilient material to impart deadfold characteristicsto said ribbon.
 18. The combination as set forth in claim 14, at leastone of said panels including a plurality of perforations therein, in useto provide communicating passages connecting the hollow interiorenclosed between said glazing panes with the hollow interior of saidnon-planar seal.
 19. The combination as set forth in claim 1, saidhermetic layer including isopropyl alcohol.
 20. The combination as setforth in claim 1, said hermetic layer including SARAN (TM).
 21. Thecombination as set forth in claim 2, at least one said laminationcomprising said fibrous web portion and isopropyl alcohol.
 22. Thecombination as set forth in claim 2, at least one said laminationcomprising said fibrous web portion and SARAN (TM).
 23. The combinationas set forth in claim 1, said ribbon seal including anultra-violet-resistant component as a laminate of said web portion. 24.The combination as set forth in claim 23, said ultra-violet-resistantcomponent comprising a coating on a face portion of said web.
 25. Thecombination as set forth in claim 14, said plurality of longitudinallyextending panels exceeding four in number, and providing, when foldedinto a spacer a substantially rectangular closed section, as a closedrectangular frame.
 26. The combination as set forth in claim 25, saidclosed section containing desiccant material in inserted relationtherein.
 27. The combination as set forth in claim 15, assembled in useas a closed rectangular frame of hollow section, including cornerreinforcement means within the corners of said rectangular frame. 28.The combination as set forth in claim 15, having closed rectangularframe of hollow section, said hollow section comprising two U-sectionsin facing, overlapping relation.
 29. The combination as set forth inclaim 28, one said U-section fitting within the other of saidU-sections.
 30. The combination as set forth in claim 28, one saidU-section being off-set in opposed relation with the other of saidU-sections.